New format. No problem.

The Capital Region’s newest radio station — WEXT, 97.7 FM — went on the air at noon Saturday without a hitch.

The station, associated with public television station WMHT, replaced classical music station WBKK. Chris Wienk, station manager for WEXT, said most calls to the station over the weekend were positive, although the station received several complaints about the format shift.

WEXT, “The Exit,” is attempting to fill a gap in the Capital Region radio scene, playing a format that’s popular elsewhere but hasn’t existed here. Radio industry insiders call the format “Triple A,” for Adult Album Alternative, and it typically combines alternative rock with alternative country, folk and world music.

Commercial stations such as “Radio Woodstock” — WDST, 101.1 FM in Woodstock — pioneered the format. But Wienk says WEXT will rely less on established playlists of hit songs than typical Triple AAA stations.

It can do so, in part, because as a public radio station, WEXT can worry less about ratings than commercial stations. But to survive, the station will need to raise $160,000 annually from listeners, Wienk said.

About a dozen people already have pledged, Wienk said. The station’s first on-air fundraiser is scheduled for October.